“With the realization of one's own potential and self-confidence in one's ability, one can build a better world.” - Dalai Lama
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| What is Pranayama? | |||
| Pranayama is the combination of the Sanskrit words prana = lifeforce and ayama = control or mastering. Breath control. Although breathing is one of our involuntary bodily functions (it happens whether you think about it or not, if you are alive) we can also control the breath to some extent. Exercises in breath control, such as breath retention and deliberate methods inhalation and exhalation for specific mental and physical benefits are called pranayama. |
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| What are the benefits of Yoga? | |||
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The benefits of Yoga are numerous. In terms of energy Yoga is like a universe in itself. Some of the important Yoga benefits include anti-ageing, balance and flexibility of body, increase in knowledge and wealth, improvement in mental health and development of personal and social values. This is not the end of story; Yoga also helps in improving strength, sexual life and reducing weight. Yoga makes you feel good. Yoga is relaxing. It's energizing. It's strengthening.
Healing benefits of Yoga are so great that you feel better at the end of every Yoga session than before you began and life runs effortlessly when you keep up a steady discipline than when you don't. Yoga enhances your understanding of life. Yoga changes an individual's perspective about life. After coming in the fold of Yoga a person finds himself taking up a broader view of life. Yoga helps a person to know who he is, how life works, who is God and so on. One starts looking at things differently, with less confusion. It helps in more peace of mind, better health, more keenness for life, and an ever-growing sense of internal well-being. As one practices Yoga, positive effects of Yoga begin to show. The sense of feeling good envelops around the individual. This feeling is so natural and so genuine that it goes entirely in an individual's life. In this way it helps clarify deepest cravings, motivations and aspirations, thereby restoring confidence, hope, meaning and rationale to life. We all like feeling good, peace of mind, being joyful, peaceful, animated and calm. There can't be two opinions about this. But the sad part is that most of us know that we are not feeling as good as we should. The driving force of yoga is aimed at the monumental, life-changing discovery of who and what you actually are. This is precisely how yoga works, how it makes you feel good. Yoga helps you experience the truth. The truth- which, you discover is goodness. The implications of knowing the truth is massive. Thus Yoga gives you the strength to unravel the truth with which you will begin to live with security, confidence and inner psychological peace. Such great are the benefits and properties of Yoga. Yoga changes your life. |
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| What is studio etiquette? | |||
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Come with an empty stomach at least 2 hours - In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.
Always arrive to your class 10-20 minutes before class time - It can be disruptive to have people arriving late. We sometimes lock the front door at class time. Our studio has capacity limitations, so arriving early will ensure your place. Also it gives you time to check-in. Remove your shoes - Please keep your shoes outside of the yoga practice rooms or near the yoga room entrance. Turn off your cell phone - Unless if you need to have it on for emergency reasons. Please have it on vibrate. Arrive to class on time - If you arrive late, please enter the practice room as quietly as possible. Leaving early before class ends - In final savasana, if you have to leave early, please do so quietly and save conversation with friends until you get outside the room Refrain from wearing fragrances or perfumes - Because classes involve breath work and deep breathing, it is considerate to not wear excessive perfumes, colognes or even essential oils, or none at all. If you go to class from work, and wear perfume during the day, simply skip applying any on the day you have yoga. During yoga practice nobody wants to breathe in a medley of perfumes or colognes. For students with allergies or sensitivities, they may have to leave the studio if the perfume scents are too strong. Honor your body - Yoga is a personal practice not a competitive or comparative one. Each of us has our own individual levels of strength, flexibility, and experience. That’s what makes the practice so fun! Your body may express the postures in a way that is unique to just you. So do not push it too far, too soon. You are the only one who knows how you’re feeling at any moment, so listen to the wisdom of your body and take care of yourself. Come with open mind and open heart! Enjoy! |
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| What do I wear to yoga class? | |||
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Clothing should be comfortable and allow for free range of motion. Instead of tight jeans consider leggings, shorts or yoga pants like the woman pictured above is wearing. Clothes that are too tight may impede your circulation and your body's energy flow.
Traditionally yoga is performed in bare feet.Remove any dangly jewelry and pin up long hair. In class room settings it is best to avoid strongly scented perfume or after shave as a courtesy to those who are chemically sensitive. |
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| What do I need to bring to class? | |||
| Mat, towel, and water. We also have those items for purchasing and rentals. |
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| What should I do with my personal belongings? | |||
| We have benches downstairs and upstairs for shoes. In the practice room, we have shelves where you can put your belongings during class. |
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| I never taken a class before. What class should I take? | |||
| What's important is that you take that first step. We recommend you start with a beginner's class or any level 1 class. Please read the class description for more information. |
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| I am not flexible. Can I still take yoga? | |||
| Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that's a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. |
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| Does yoga conflict with my religious beliefs? | |||
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No, Yoga is a spiritual science not a religion. It is very universal in its approach. It can be practiced by individuals of all creeds and with any set of beliefs. The practice of Hatha Yoga can lead you to a deep understanding of the unity underlying all forms of life. In many instances, Yoga practitioners have found that after a few years of practice they were becoming better Christians, Jews and Muslims etc. for more information on this topic visit the Yoga & Research Foundation and www.christianyoga.com |
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